The Dallas Cowboys have everyone reporting to Staybridge Suites in Oxnard, Calif., on July 21. This will be the first camp run by head coach Brian Schottenheimer, so there will be battles happening all over the field.
The defensive line is one of the better position groups on the Cowboys roster, so the margin for error will be thinner for certain players. Obviously, the show on the frontlines revolves around star disruptor Micah Parsons, but Dallas has built a collection of athletic pass rushers who could make some noise, too.
The Cowboys brought in Dante Fowler Jr. and Payton Turner in free agency before adding Donovan Ezeiruaku in the NFL draft. We can't forget about Marshawn Kneeland and Sam Williams, who are coming back from previous injuries.
With that in mind, Luiji Vilain is someone who could be on thin ice this summer.
Cowboys DE Luiji Vilain May Be on Dallas' Chopping Block
Vilain signed with Dallas' practice squad in October 2024 and landed a future contract in January for the 2025 campaign. He hasn't been able to do much in his NFL career thus far. He signed as an undrafted free agent with the Minnesota Vikings, logging four total tackles. Vilain then had short stints with the Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns before landing with the Cowboys.
Even though he has been able to be on several teams, he's failed to stand out in order to stay signed. Dallas is his fourth NFL team and joins a crowded defensive line room.
The Cowboys currently have six players in the edge rotation who are at least second-round picks. Management will be sure to give those guys enough opportunities to play meaningful reps. Considering that's already six guys, there isn't a lot of room left.
The Cowboys could easily part ways with Vilain, who's on a one-year, $1.03 million deal. If they released him, they wouldn't get tagged with dead cap hits, according to Spotrac.
Dallas has made it a point of emphasis to have athletic defenders who can generate pressure. Vilain hasn't shown that he can be reliable in his career and could be a cut candidate this summer.